Rabbit diseases to watch out for

There are two common and particularly unpleasant rabbit diseases that can’t be prevented with a vaccination. Here’s how to prevent them and spot the signs.

Fly Strike

Occurring in the summer, Fly Strike is caused by a rabbit’s bottom being unclean, usually as a result of a poor diet, being overweight or inactive.

It can also occur when a rabbit is unable to eat the soft poos (caecotrophs) that they normally produce during the first stage of digestion. Just so you know, it’s completely normal – and beneficial – for a rabbit to re-digest this material, as it gives them the maximum nutrients from their food.

If rabbits get a dirty bottom, this attracts flies who lay their eggs in their matted fur. The eggs hatch into maggots, which grow and survive by feeding on the rabbit. It’s a very painful experience for the rabbit and can be fatal.